| To file a patent, the smart and easy way is online | | | | you to download any special programs or |
| with the USPTO website. This is a governmental | | | | applications to use. The application is in a PDF |
| website that is set up to accept all phases of the | | | | form and the website gives you all the tools to |
| patent process. This is the preferred method by | | | | complete this process. This has to be followed |
| the US Patent Office. The reason being is that | | | | and submitted this way for the USPTO to accept |
| this way, the data is already digitalized and can be | | | | your patent application. |
| placed into the data base immediately. Paper | | | | This program also allows for ESS-web submissions |
| applications are still accepted, but there is an | | | | of PCT EASY.ZIP files to accompany your |
| additional $50 charge for these because of the | | | | application to the USPTO. These are international |
| additional work it requires the employees of the | | | | compressed files along with text or TXT files for |
| patent office to undertake to place all the | | | | your bio-sequencing lists, computer language lists, |
| information in the data base. | | | | and any other pertinent information that should |
| The system that must be used to file your | | | | accompany your application to give it the best |
| patent is the EFS-web. This is the US | | | | chance of being granted. |
| government's official web based application and | | | | If you have any questions when you file a patent, |
| document filing and submission system. When | | | | the Patent Electronic Business Office is open |
| using this system, there are web based screens | | | | Monday through Friday, from 6 am to 12 midnight |
| and prompts for you to follow that do not require | | | | EST. |